Table of Contents
Introduction: Turkey Travel Safety Advice for 2025
Steeped in history and cultural richness, Türkiye, with its captivating heart, Istanbul, has become a global tourism powerhouse. Istanbul itself reigned supreme as the most visited city in the world in 2023, a testament to its enduring allure. While Türkiye has navigated recent challenges, including the 2016 coup attempt, isolated security incidents, regional tensions, the 2023 earthquake, the fall of Assad regime in Syria, and now the recent arrest of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, followed closely by a 6.2-magnitude earthquake on April 23, 2025 and ongoing protests, its resilience shines through. Almost all regions of the country remain havens for visitors, eager to experience the country’s warmth and timeless treasures.
As with any travel destination, staying informed about current conditions is prudent. However, for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in 2025, Türkiye beckons with its vibrant culture and natural beauty.
May 2025 Update from Istanbul
Turkey has enhanced security measures in Istanbul amid the incarceration of Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and ongoing nationwide protests.
Despite these developments, no violence has been reported in tourist areas. Targeted police presence and increased patrols are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Tourism in Turkey
There are many reasons why Turkey is a popular destination for travelers, besides its geographic convenience. This fascinating land boasts rich history and natural beauty, yet one of the most striking qualities of the Turkish nation can be summarized in one word: warmth. Cheesy because it’s true, right?
With the current political tensions and daily protests in mind, let’s not dance around the issue: is it safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?
The short answer to this question is: yes, (as of May 16th, 2025) you can safely travel around Istanbul and Turkey — as long as you remain mindful of sporadic protests and avoid precarious or poorly maintained buildings, especially in the wake of recent seismic activity.
As for the other issues from recent years, the situation had largely stabilized by the end of 2019 in terms of internal security. While Turkey has been involved in ongoing military operations in northern Syria against the PKK and other Kurdish separatist groups, these activities are confined to specific border regions and do not affect the safety or daily life in Turkey’s touristic areas. Travelers can feel confident visiting Turkey’s popular destinations without concern for their security.
In terms of tourism, Turkey has continued its remarkable recovery. Nearly 57.2 million tourists visited the country in 2023, a significant milestone that positioned Turkey as the fourth most visited country in the world. Istanbul alone attracted 20.2 million international visitors in 2023, further cementing its status as a global tourism hub.
Turkey’s commitment to ensuring visitor safety, combined with its rich cultural heritage and hospitality, has solidified the country’s reputation as a premier travel destination.
Butterfly Valley, Fethiye, on the Mediterranean coastline of Türkiye
Here's the long answer
Turkey is one of the more complex countries with serious political turmoil and social confusion, riding on a fragile economy in a unique location of the planet. And the country has recently gone through general elections in May 2023 and regional elections in April 2024, latter of which yielded unseen results in favor of the opposition in Turkish politics. So, 2025 is turning out to be a tricky year for anyone living or visiting here, especially economically and politically. Erdogan just got his biggest rival arrested on corruption charges and the country is erupting with street protests! However, Turkey is also one of the world’s most culturally, historically rich countries with some of the warmest and most hospitable people anywhere.
Moreover, tourism is the third biggest income for Turkey’s economy and a significant portion of the population depends on it to make a living. It’s fair to say that the security of tourists and the country’s ability to welcome holiday-makers safely will be high up on the Turkish government’s list of priorities. Therefore, the country has been on high alert on all fronts and Turkish authorities have been working tirelessly to make sure all the necessary security measures are taken.
After all, Turks are notorious for their tenacious fighting spirit and that really shows on how tight of a collective effort has been put forward lately in to preventing any kind of security threat to the mainland and anyone in it. Foreign visitors are pleasantly surprised by the level of safety they experience when walking the streets of Istanbul and Turkey in general, both during day and night. Of course, some areas are to be avoided much like anywhere in the world but they are often far away from touristy sections of the city anyway.
British nationals made over 3.8 million visits to Turkey in 2022. Most visits are trouble free. Be alert to your surroundings and remain vigilant in crowded places popular with foreign nationals, including during festival periods. –gov.uk
How the Israel-Hamas Conflict Might Affect Travel to Turkey
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas could have some impact on travel safety in Turkey. Turkish government and public opinion is fervently on the side of the Palestinians and the officials are quite loud about it.
While the countries are geographically separate, the situation raises several considerations for travelers:
- Cross-Border Risks: The conflict may escalate and involve countries like Syria, making areas near Turkey’s border riskier. Travelers are advised to avoid regions within 10 km of the Syrian border and specific provinces like Sirnak and Hakkari.
- Protests: The conflict might spark demonstrations in Turkish cities, which could turn violent. It’s advised to avoid protests, stay alert in tourist areas, and keep an eye on local media.
- Terrorism Threat: The situation could increase terrorism risks, as groups like ISIS or PKK might seize the opportunity. Opt for well-secured hotels and follow local authorities’ advice.
- Travel Advisory: Always check the latest government advisories before traveling and consider getting comprehensive travel insurance.
The situation is dynamic, so it’s important to stay updated with reliable sources for the latest information and advice.
How does the Russian invasion of Ukraine impact Turkey's safety?
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is causing a lot of trouble, not just locally, but potentially all over the world. This is shaking things up economically and in terms of world security. It’s also raising some big ethical and humanitarian issues.
Despite all this chaos, it’s important to know that if you’re traveling to or from Turkey, you should still be safe. Just because Turkey is close to the conflict doesn’t mean it’s dangerous.
But there’s another issue. A lot of Russian tourists have started to flood into Turkey, especially Istanbul and Antalya. This sudden increase has caused rental prices to go up all over the country. This rise in living costs is hitting people hard, especially those who need affordable housing. So, while it’s not immediately obvious, this is another serious problem caused by the conflict.
The aftermath of 2023 Earthquake
Turkey has always been a popular tourist destination, and it has always been an earthquake zone, at least for the last 13 million years. Without doubt, recent natural disasters have left travelers wondering about the safety of the country. On February 4, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeastern Turkey, causing widespread destruction and officially, killing tens of thousands. The earthquake brought down significant portions of at least 11 cities, leaving many wondering if it was safe to travel to Turkey in 2025.
However, despite the devastation caused by the earthquake, the country has made significant efforts to rebuild and recover already. With time, the country is making strides towards normalcy, and many parts of Turkey that were not directly affected by the earthquake are, or at least will soon be safe for foreign travelers to visit.
Travelers can currently enjoy the many delights that Turkey has to offer, such as the rich culture, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Istanbul, for example, is a bustling city with a rich history, famous landmarks, unique city tours and delicious cuisine. The coastal towns of Bodrum and Antalya are also popular tourist destinations with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
It is important to note, however, that while much of Turkey has been spared from the direct impact of the 2023 February earthquakes, there are vast areas that are affected by the disaster, leaving millions living in tents or temporary housing. Visitors should always be mindful of any potential risks and stay up to date on any alerts or advisories issued by the government or local authorities.
Donate to the earthquake victims
Recent Vlog
Conclusion
While the earthquake in southeastern Turkey is an unprecedented tragedy, the country is making significant progress in recovery efforts, and many parts of Turkey (70 provinces out of 81) are already more than safe for foreign travelers to visit. Even with the Israel-Hamas confict, Turkey continues to be a relatively safe tourism destination as one of the most popular countries in the world. As with any travel destination, it is always important to exercise caution and stay informed about any potential risks, but visitors can once again enjoy the many wonders that Turkey has to offer.
Plus, the Turkish lira is unfortunately at an all time low against the dollar, euro, pound, etc., – it’s sad for us locals but it’s never been a better time to explore this gorgeous country for foreigners.
And if all that was not enough to convince you, here’s a closing quote from an anonymous source:
Worrying about the risk of travel feels like worrying about being struck by lightning.
Correction: Turkey is still the 6th most visited country in 2022 and 2021
Source: https://travelness.com/most-visited-countries-in-the-world
About the russian invasion of Ukraine: unfortunately it’s the opposite, prices are already going up and there is a lack of accommodations because of so many russians leaving their country and relocating to Turkey
Not anymore. Many Russians have left turkey si ce you posted your comment (your comment is 2 years old)
anyone have travelled to Turkey recently? Please comment here.
I have travelled to Turkey in Sep2023, and will not go back. Staff at istanbul airport are not helpful at all, they make no effort to help travellers. Taxi drivers are very dishonest and can be very agressive.
People ate not friendly, they don’t smile. They depend in tourism and yet dont make efforts to welcome tourists.
I found people in Antalya yo be more honest than in Istanbul.
I did and I will not go back u til they improve their attitude and safety for Female travellers.
Important Safety Warning for Female Travelers and Mothers with Children at IST Airport in Turkey
I recently had a harrowing experience at Istanbul Airport (IST) that I want to share as a warning, particularly for women, students, and mothers traveling alone. Here is my story:
After flying from Hanover, Germany, we had a layover at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul. My daughter fell ill with a fever, and we had to take her to the hospital. We ended up staying one night at the hospital and another night at a hotel. When my daughter felt better, I contacted the airport to retrieve our luggage. After completing the necessary procedures and collecting the luggage, I needed to return to our hotel.
I hailed a taxi that was waiting for passengers outside the airport. Using Google Translate, I gave the driver the hotel address since we couldn’t communicate in English. Once inside the taxi, with my daughter on my lap, I noticed the driver had a camera and kept turning it towards me. When I asked him about it, he claimed that Turkish police require taxi drivers to have cameras.
Suddenly, the driver stopped in an isolated area resembling a parking garage or loading dock. Alarmed, I questioned him, and he replied that he needed to drop off some goods. Fearing for our safety, I made an international call to my partner in Germany, explaining our location and situation, and asked him to call the police. I also threatened the driver, saying that the police were on their way. The driver, who appeared very threatening, started shouting but eventually agreed to drive us to the hotel.
Ladies and girls, please take the following precautions when traveling alone:
Get the driver’s information: Note the taxi’s number, driver’s name, and any other identifying details.
Stay connected: Keep your phone charged and stay in contact with someone who knows your whereabouts.
Use official transportation: Whenever possible, use official airport transportation services or pre-booked rides.
By sharing my experience, I hope to help others avoid similar situations. Stay safe and vigilant.
Best Luck
S.A
Thank you very much for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I had a very bad experience in Istanbul in Sep 2023, with a private Transfer the hotel sent me. I will never go back again alone. The driver asked me to get off on y e highway and take another taxi, that was because I was coughing so bad. There was a very strong cigarette smell in the (supposedly) VIP van , and the driver didn’t like it when I asked the employee who helped me get to the meeting point, to ask him not to smoke. I refused to get off and didnt respond to him.
When we arrived at the city centre he asked me to get off and said the road was closed. He refused to drive me to the hotel. He started shouting at me. Luckily I had an eSim (electronic sim that I activated upon arrival to make calls) and managed to get hold of the hotel (I was lucky as there was only one staff at the hotel), there was argument between the driver and the hotel employee. The driver parked the van and got my suitcase out and I followed him when he statued walking and talking in the phone. We were in a busy area so I wasn’t sacred for my safety but i was very shaken. I asked people for help, the first time it was 3 middle age men sitting at a cafe, they told me this is normal with Taxis when I told them he refused to drop me off at the hotel, the 2nd person was a store owner, he tries to help, went to talk to the driver but the Hotel employee had just arrived. I will never forget this experience . I am in my laye 50’s and this is the worst travel experience I had travelling. I am also Muslim and wear a scarf (hijab). This can happen to anyone.
I am always surprised when women post on facebook groups that it’s very safe for solo female travellers.
May I ask when this happened? I heard of other stories about female being raped, one woman said she had to jump ouf of the car to save herself and her daughter.
One can never be safe. Unfortunately whether we like it or not, women ate more at risk than men.
Thank u so much for sharing because I also have a daughter and she is still very young.. Our intention is to relocate to Turkey this year.. Keep well
Thank you for your comment. Please let us know if you have any questions about living in Turkey.